Cooperation between UN and regional and other organizations – SecCo meeting – Press release (excerpts)

7050^th Meeting (AM)

SECURITY COUNCIL ADVOCATES GREATER TIES WITH ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION

TO RESOLVE CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST, OTHER STRIFE-TORN REGIONS

The Security Council today recognized the importance of strengthened cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), acknowledging the United Nations’ continued dialogue with the 57-member body in the areas of peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

In a presidential statement adopted by consensus, the Council commended OIC States for their ongoing contribution of troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations. It noted that the United Nations and OIC shared common objectives in promoting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a political solution to the Syrian conflict, in line with the 30 June 2012 Geneva Communiqué, as well as in fostering solutions to other conflicts.

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In the debate that followed, delegates hailed OIC’s track record in promoting peace and security, citing its mediation and other efforts in Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan and Myanmar, as well as its substantial connections in areas where the United Nations did not enjoy full access. Moreover, half of the top 10 troop- and police-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations were from OIC. Given its vast expanse, it was only natural that the world’s two largest intergovernmental bodies cooperate closely.

Yet OIC’s cooperation with the United Nations had not reached its full potential, many said, urging the bodies to focus more intently on issues, such combating terrorism, resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Syrian conflict, and fostering peace in both the Sahel and Horn of Africa. Some recommended adhering to the work matrix adopted in 2012, which listed fields of joint cooperation. Others said Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, on regional arrangements, should guide such work.

Cooperation was particularly important in the search for a lasting and fair solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, several stressed, as well as for a political solution to the crisis in Syria. Mbarka Bouaida, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco, said that Palestine was the raison d’être behind OIC’s establishment. She urged both organizations to respect cultural and religious diversity. “Peace hinges on this,” she stressed.

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Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2013/16 reads as follows:

“The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security.

“The Security Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security.

“The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations.

“The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.

“The Security Council recognizes and further encourages the active contributionof the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the work of the United Nations towards the realization of the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations.

“The Security Council acknowledgesthe continuing dialogue between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the fields of peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The Security Council commends the States Members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

“The Security Council reiterates its commitment to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and to seek a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and recalls in this regard its previous relevant resolutions. The Council notes that the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation share common objectives in promoting and facilitating the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the political solution of the Syrian conflict in accordance with the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012, as well as in fostering solutions to other conflicts in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

“The Security Council takes note of the general meeting on cooperation between the Secretariats of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and their specialized organizations, held in Geneva on 1-3 May 2012. The Council acknowledges the intention expressed by representatives of both organizations to reinforce cooperation in areas of common interest, such as conflict prevention and mediation, human rights, humanitarian assistance and refugees, intercultural dialogue, and the fight against terrorism.

“The Council notes the commitment of both the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of tolerance and peace, and calls for enhanced cooperation to promote better understanding across countries, cultures and civilizations.

“The Security Council recognizes the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security.

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next biannual report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”

Background

For its debate this morning on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security: strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Security Council had before it a concept paper on the subject, contained in a letter from the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (document S/2013/588).

Briefings

BAN KI-MOON, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said the challenges of peace and security were too complex and interlinked for any country or organization to address alone. “To be successful, we must join forces and craft joint strategies that draw on respective strengths,” he said. The United Nations and OIC were working closely on issues ranging from conflict prevention and resolution to counter-terrorism, human rights and humanitarian affairs to intercultural dialogue and sustainable development. …

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Israelis and Palestinians must quickly see visible peace dividends from the resumption of peace talks, he said. The status quo in the Occupied Palestinian Territory was not sustainable and that occupation was deeply damaging to Israelis and Palestinians alike. …

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EKMELEDDIN IHSANOGLU, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said the body attached great importance to its relationship with the United Nations, underscoring his readiness to develop an effective partnership to promote peace, justice, human rights and development. Indeed, OIC had made “tremendous” efforts to sustain a network of close cooperative relationships with the world body and other international, regional and subregional organizations.

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Turning to the Middle East, he said a credible peace process towards a two-State solution remained a core priority, stressing that the Council must do its utmost to resolve the Palestinian question in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Israeli-Palestinian agreements reached within the framework of the Middle East peace process. The key to a lasting peace lay in ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian State. Ongoing peace negotiations provided a valuable window of opportunity not to be missed, one that required an immediate end to all illegal acts, including settlement building. OIC was committed to assisting Palestinians and was ready to partner with the United Nations in improving their socioeconomic life in the Palestinian territories, including occupied East Jerusalem.

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The Council then adopted by consensus a presidential statement (document PRST/2013/16) on the subject of today’s debate.

Statements

ELMAR MAHARRAM OGLU MAMMADYAROV, Council President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, spoke in his national capacity, saying many issues on the Council’s agenda related to the Islamic world and OIC was naturally seized of them. OIC was not only the organization that represented all Muslim nations; it was the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 Member States and five observers from four continents. It had proved to be an important partner of the United Nations in promoting peace and security and fostering a culture of peace at the global level. Calling for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, he welcomed the resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. OIC m ember States and the international organizations attending recent conferences had pledged to contribute to the improvement of Palestinian social and economic development. On Syria, he called for a political solution to the conflict and an end to the people’s suffering.

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MBARKA BOUAIDA, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco, …

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She went on to say that Palestine was the raison d’être behind OIC’s establishment. Indeed, the organization had always supported Palestinians. Cooperation was of primary importance, including on mechanisms between the United Nations and OIC to help find a lasting and fair solution to that question. She hoped to see a partnership based on a long-term strategic approach that would consider both organizations’ needs and interests, and which would foster their complementarity. She also urged both organizations to respect cultural and religious diversity. “Peace hinges on this”, she stressed, as it helped to combat religious hatred and all other types of discrimination. Morocco was ready to back that cooperation among all peoples.

MARIA DEL CARMEN SQUEFF, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina, …

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OIC, which had members on four continents, was destined to play an important role in such areas as the Middle East peace process, disarmament, self-determination, peace, dialogue, decolonization, human rights, capacity-building and environmental protection, as well as the fights against terrorism and diseases, she said. Peace and security were not merely military concepts. Shared values and ideals built societies, she said, urging the United Nations and OIC to strengthen their bonds of cooperation.

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SYLVIE LUCAS ( Luxembourg) said the imperative of strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations was not only desirable but also extremely vital. The work of OIC and the United Nations around the world was crucial, she said, urging the organizations to step up work on preventive diplomacy. Calling for a fair, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, she stressed the contributions of OIC in peacebuilding efforts. …

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GARY QUINLAN ( Australia) said OIC’s partnership with the United Nations was crucial to the collective maintenance of peace and security. It had various comparative advantages, based in part on its moral authority, strengths on which the United Nations should build. Those strengths had been seen in OIC’s mediation efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. Its Peace, Security and Mediation Unit offered new opportunities in the area of peaceful dispute settlement. In Somalia and Yemen, OIC had negotiated better access for humanitarian actors. He commended its campaign against polio, noting that polio had resurfaced in Syria for the first time in 14 years. He shared the concern over the conflict in Syria, which was destabilizing Syria’s neighbours, urging the Council to do more to protect civilians and promote humanitarian assistance. He agreed that negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis were an opportunity that “we should not miss”. He urged a focus on areas of shared interest and complementarities between the two organizations.

MASOOD KHAN ( Pakistan) said OIC had become a mainstream international organization for building peace, security and understanding. Given the organization’s vast expanse, it was only natural that OIC and the United Nations cooperate closely. They had been doing so productively on a wide array of issues. OIC was a natural partner and interlocutor for the United Nations because of its close cooperation with other major regional organizations around the world. Millions in OIC countries lived in conflict or post-conflict situations, which posed a threat to international peace, security and development. OIC had lent a helping hand in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts around the world, he said, stressing that it played an active role on the Kashmir issue. Troops from OIC countries accounted for the majority of United Nations peacekeepers. The two organizations should work closely on six specific issues: combating terrorism; building a harmonious world; the Arab-Israeli conflict; the Syrian conflict; the Sahel region and Horn of Africa; and social, economic, human rights and environmental issues.

GERT ROSENTHAL ( Guatemala) said his country strongly valued intraregional cooperation. OIC had a unique feature of not being a regional body; it brought together countries from disparate corners of the world that were united by a shared vision and values. It had cooperation experience with the United Nations, through its various incarnations since 1969, including in the area of humanitarian efforts. He welcomed its success in the areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and combating terrorism. Its participation in Somalia, Mali, Myanmar and Darfur were a testament to its invaluable work in attaining peace, and he hoped such efforts would contribute to the search for a solution to conflicts in the Middle East. There was always a margin for the United Nations to improve its relations with regional and subregional organizations. Priority must be given to partnerships focused on conflict prevention with organizations that had a peacekeeping mandate, and that could be identified as crucial stakeholders in conflict resolution. There was no doubt that OIC was in that group.

ROSEMARY A. DICARLO ( United States) said it was entirely natural that the world’s two largest organizations should cooperate so closely on a variety of pressing priorities. OIC member States were top troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations, she said, lauding the organization’s work in reinforcing the work of United Nations agencies and the Council’s agenda. In recognition of this role, the United States Agency for International Development had signed an agreement with OIC on ending famine in the Horn of Africa. She welcomed the establishment of an independent OIC human rights committee to address issues within the Member States, as well as the organization’s efforts to foster deeper trust between Afghanistan and its neighbours. OIC had become a strong and respected voice in the fight against extremism. On the Syrian conflict, she welcomed OIC’s statement on the need for a conference in Geneva and its continuing campaign for humanitarian funds. On the Arab-Israeli conflict, she said the Islamic world’s support would be a vital catalyst for the success of peace negotiations.

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MARK LYALL GRANT ( United Kingdom), noting that his Government had appointed its first representative to OIC in 2011, pledged to deepen cooperation on a variety of issues. The Council’s engagement with regional organizations like OIC made the United Nations outward-looking and better able to fulfil its role. OIC offered a unique perspective and could play a constructive role on different international issues. He acknowledged the important stance OIC had taken on the issues of peace and security among Member States. Stating that the suspension of Syria’s membership from the organization served a powerful message to the Government, he called for a political settlement. On the Arab-Israeli peace process, bold choices were required to achieve a lasting settlement the people deserved. He welcomed the presidential statement adopted today, urging the Secretary-General to recommend ways of intensifying cooperation with OIC.

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GERARD ARAUD ( France) said his country had named a special envoy to OIC and maintained regular discussions on issues of vital importance such as Syria, Mali, international terrorism and human rights. Welcoming OIC’s 10-year agenda, he said the organization’s role was essential in achieving the United Nations objectives. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, OIC had underscored the imperative of international action. It had strongly condemned the killings, as well as the use of chemical weapons, and worked towards alleviating the humanitarian suffering there. On the Israeli-Palestinian talks, he expressed hope for the achievement of just and lasting peace and hailed OIC as a vigorous partner. On terrorism, he lauded OIC’s condemnation of attacks under the guise of religion, as well as its efforts to promote intercultural dialogue. He urged stronger cooperation between the organizations based on the United Nations Charter and shared values.

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For information media • not an official record